MAGLEV 2000 of Florida

MAGLEV 2000 (M2000)
technology is an inherently stable freight and passenger magnetic levitation system
concept based on superconducting magnets that propel vehicles along a guideway. The
clearance gap between vehicle and guideway is 6-8 inches. AC current powers the magnets,
allowing cost-efficient, safe, consistent high speed operation up to 350 mph. M 2000 also
proposes modular construction of vehicle guideways with prefabricated composite tubular
box beams, piers and footings. Advanced materials can extend the lifetimeof the system to
100 years with nominal maintenance required.

M 2000 technology is the brainchild of scientists Dr. Gordon Danby and Dr. James
Powell, who first pioneered the concept of magnetically levitated transport based on
superconducting magnets in 1966. Working with them as co-inventor is John J. Morena,
business development, composites, manufacturing and engineering advisor and Executive
Director of the M 2000 Corporation. See some recent comments
by Powell and Danby.

M 2000 intends to secure both private and government funding to build prototype maglev
vehicles and a 20-mile guideway section - at an estimated cost of $225 to $300 million.
This technology demonstration will prove how small a footprint will be required along
existing transportation routes.

Essential to the next-generation M 2000 transport system will be advanced materials in
vehicle and prefabricated guideway components. Components (such as carbon fiber/epoxy)
offer the benefits of high strength, light-weight and corrosion resistance that greatly
exceed current steel and concrete construction materials.

The 20-mile (32 km) demonstration that is being planned that would connect the Kennedy
Space Center with Cape Canaveral, which served over a million cruise ship passengers in
1992. The system's route (see map) would also go west from the
space center to an intermodal connection and parking facility at the junction of
Interstate 95 and Florida Routes 405 and 407. A future extension to the Orlando
International Airport and beyond is planned.

According to an article in The Stuart News of February 3, 1997, work has
begun on the first leg of a high speed magnetic levitation system at the Space Coast
Regional Airport in Brevard County, Florida. This work, partly funded by a $6 million
state grant, will be finished later this year (2000) and the total cost of additional work
is expected to be about $32 million. The M 2000 company has been formed specifically for
this project. Phase I of the project will involve the building of approximately 800 feet
of guideway and a 60-foot vehicle. This prototype vehicle will travel about 60-80 mph on a
guideway at grade and about 20 feet above the ground. Phase II of this project calls for a
100 ft vehicle and two miles of guideway. The vehicle is expected to reach speeds of 200
mph on this guideway.